I have an oppurtunity to be in Manhattan for 3 day at the end of March. Neither my wife nor I have been. What are the "must do" things on a three day visit? What's the best Broadway show on now?Any tips greatly appreciated. Thanks.

There is so much to do, I suggest a NYC guide. My favorite is City Pack from Fodors (not a plug). Has top 25 things to do; map and basic info to get you started. Also is not a HUGE book that can confuse.

In terms of things to do, you won't have a hard time finding a way to fill three days. A visit to the Metropolitan Museum is a must. Fantastic collection of art from all periods with a special note to their Impressionist Collection. A visit to the Temple of Dendor room is also pretty nice.

I'd also suggest a trip to Downtown and the Statue of Liberty. At a minimum, a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry will give you a nice view of the Statue and the skyline.

In terms of shows, really depends on your budget and your taste. Several recent shows are good and several of the long running are still around. The Producers, Lion King, Rent, and Cabaret have been some I've found to be entertaining.

In terms of tips, I'd strongly recommend that you get a copy of the Zagat's NYC Restaurant Guide. It really is the bible for most of us who live here in terms of restaurants.

If you would like to see a play or musical there is a place in Time Square called TKTS. You can get Broadway tickets at 50% off. You can only get shows for that particular day. There is also a TKTS located an Front st. and John st. Downtown. It's near the Seaport, depending on where your staying that one opens at 1100. My fiance and I recently saw Beauty and the Beast, I got two tickets in row C (3rd. row) in the center for $100.00 total. That was by far to best show I have seen. Have fun....

Must do's IMHO:

Go to top of Empire State Building
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
Visit Central Park
Explore Greenwich Village
Staten Island Ferry
B'way Show (depending on where you are in CN,see something that's not playing in Toronto or Vancouver, or somewhere near you)
Eat Pizza (either John's on Bleeker, John's near Times Sq., or Grimaldi's under Bklyn Bridge)
Eat at a deli - either Katz's, 2nd Ave Deli, or Carnegie (it's not as bad as people on this board portray)
If youre at the VERY END of March, you might be able to catch a baseball game (yanks or mets)
Visit Chinatown, eat Dim Sum at Golden Unicorn or HSF (if you like Dim Sum) Also, try bubble tea at Ten Ren on Mott St.
Visit Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Three WEEKS won't do justice to New York City. But here are some of my favorites:
Staten Island Ferry.
Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Natural History Museum.
Walking to, from, and around Times Square and Rockefeller Center; and just feeling the energy.
People watching in Central Park.
Wandering around Chinatown and Canal Street, just glancing at street vendors.
Windows shopping on Fifth Avenue.

For information on Broadway choices, go to Broadway.Com; the info there is surprisingly candid and useful.

Thanks everbody who replied. Looking forward to the trip!

Jim:

End of March should hopefully be 'warm enough" to be able to walk around this great town...but the way this winter is gong..you never know! But than again, you are Canadian, so this will feel like summer to you!! (Ha!) Have a great time, when you get closer to your actual trip drop us another note and we will see what the latest is in NYC!
JOHN

Plays - Lion King (great production), The Producers (if you appreciate the sense of humor), Man of La Mancha (fantastic cast and production). For the best pricier ($100- per person) restaurants try Le Bernadin in the West 50's, Il Mulino in the Village, Nobu in Tribeca. Book one month in advance. Call on a weekend to get through to make the reservation. For inexpensive great restaurants the East Village is your best bet. Try 2nd Ave. Deli, Veselka, Franks, all on 2nd Avenue between 10th and 5th Streets. Go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Pick an interesting neighborhood (the West Village, Tribeca, Soho, the Upper West Side) to explore. Get a good walking tour guide book. WALK. Stay in the Times Square area if you want to be with the tourists, stay in one of the more interesting areas above if you want to see more of the real New York. Have a great time.